After struggling to find a consistent niche in his first full season with the Heat during the 2020-21 season, Strus made the decision to go back to summer league even though he had a deal lined up for the next season. “Summer league was everything for me last season,” Strus says. “It provided all the confidence in the world for me to do what I did last season, honestly.” And it was exactly what the Heat were looking for: a showcase for the young prospect to shine as the leading man for the team.